Trade me is still the best website that the majority of tenants look at when they want to rent a house. Its straightforward to use and most people have Trade me accounts. Tenants can save searches for certain areas, with new properties emailed to them daily.  They can easily compare comparable properties to get an idea of market rents in … Read More

July 2013 How to keep tenants long term Two of my 5 year plus tenants have moved in the last year, thus the thought,was it skill or luck to keep them that long. Some luck, you cannot always tell, or will be told, or they simply don’t knowtheir long term intentions. Skill, I think plays a large part.Present a warm, … Read More

Adding value to properties From 2001 to 2011 I called myself a full time property investor. I specialised in finding run down 1960s & 70s houses, modernising, fixing any problems then renting them. I also traded properties on a rising market, adding value by a cosmetic reno, subdividing large sections then selling. In my experience the most important advice that you can … Read More

Get to know your roof Except for re-cladding your house, your roof can be the next most expensive item you may need to replace. Is $8000 – $12000 budgeted for repairs or maintenance and will this cost blow out those cash flow neutral properties for the next 5 years. My first investment property I purchased 12 years ago, I paid for a … Read More